Earlier today, our Book Editor Robert Blinn shared his thoughts on the University of Cincinnati's Portfolio Handbook. This short video by director/designer/animator Erica Gorochow and executive producer/writer Karl Sluis (the second CCS'er we've seen today) provides a nice complement to the themes of the book.

On one hand, the "Fundamental Elements of Design" is a step back, offering a general introduction of the all-too-often overlooked facets of branding that are within the domain of design. On the other hand, the video suggests that a strong brand is nothing if not coherent, the forest to the trees of specific projects (i.e. a portfolio). While the takeaway message doesn't have a direct bearing on crafting a pitch-perfect portfolio, the clip is a short, sweet look at how graphics become a brand.

Nevertheless, Erica, an accomplished designer and animator, expressed some reservations about the piece, which was produced for a client's internal use:Looking back, I see so many things I'd like to do differently, but feel good about the outcome nonetheless. I wrote the video with Karl Sluis (who also gave me this awesome opportunity). Michael Coffman created original music and sound. Adrian Letechipia helped me out with some awesome C4D tricks and JD Yepes gave me compositing critiques. Todd Thoenig and Ben Rudlin were kind enough to step in as voice talent. I made the project in a humid, summer hustle and feel relieved to finally release it!

Hindsight aside, see more of her excellent work in her 2011 reel:

Meanwhile, some may remember Sluis as the student runner-up in the Design for Social Impact category of our inaugural Core77 Design Awards; see his project "Common Sense," a collaboration with Craig Stover, at a glance in the reel below:

Hope you guys have something to show for this year's Awards!